October Teen Reviews

Posted on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 by Megan

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” 

Anne Shirley, “Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery

 

Just like Anne (with an e) we love October at the library! Our teens love this spoopy, leafy, ghostly time of year too! Check out our readers’ reviews below. We’ve got everything from classics to some downright grisly reads!

Continue reading “October Teen Reviews”

If You’re Playing (or waiting for) Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Posted on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 by Laura W

Books for Dragon Age: The Veilguard

In 2009, EA released “Dragon Age: Origins.” For the first time, players were introduced to the world of Thedas and tasked with protecting it against the monstrous Darkspawn scourge that periodically arose. Two years later, “Dragon Age II” was released. This time, players became Hawke, a human who becomes a legend over the course of a decade of strife. Following the same breakneck pace, only 3 years after “II,” “Dragon Age: Inquisition” graced our screens. We followed the Inquisitor as they tried to close the Breach, a tear in reality that allowed demons to come forth. Then, there was silence. For the past 10 years, fans have been waiting for a new “Dragon Age” title. And it is finally happening. On October 31st, EA will release “Dragon Age: The Veilguard,” a direct sequel to “Inquisition.” Whether you’re waiting that final week for the game to finally be released or you’ve been playing a while and are trying to prolong the experience, these books are for you. From canon-accurate novels to my favorite dark fantasy, any of these next titles will help you stay connected to “Dragon Age.” Continue reading “If You’re Playing (or waiting for) Dragon Age: The Veilguard”

Spooky, Not Scary™ Watch-List: Volume Threeeeeek 🦇

Posted on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 by Grae

Is there something strange in your neighborhood? 🤔

Or something weird and it don’t look good? 😳

That might be because it’s *checks watch phone* spooky season, y’all!!! Many sinister salutations for this most ghastly of times, when all of the delightful frights come out to haunt the moonlit, fog-filled corners of the night with tricks and treats in equal share. If you, like me, wish October took up 301 days of the year instead of the usual 31, welcome to yet another installment of Spooky, Not Scary™, a watch-list for any and everyone who absolutely adores Halloween and its eerie, phantasmagoric cheer, but also may be a bit of a Halloweenie at heart. 🖤🐣🖤

For those just joining in, I give you the following titles that are avowedly Spooky, Not Scary™. Each title is rated on a scale of 0-5 smashed pumpkins. The more smashed pumpkins (which I’ve metaphorically dropped out of terror), the closer the tv show/movie/video is to being truly frightening.

Note: no gourds were harmed in the making of this list, though some may have been consumed. I just found out about St. Louis-based craft soda maker Fitz‘s newest flavor, Pumpkin Pop. Move over, PSL, you are soooooooo 2003. 🎃

You can access the full list here (and volume one here and volume two a.k.a. boo! here); what follows are some of my not-so-fearsome favs with minimal spoilers. But first, Google/Siri/AI being of choice, play “Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker, Jr.! #Iain’t’fraidofnoghost #👻 Continue reading “Spooky, Not Scary™ Watch-List: Volume Threeeeeek 🦇”

Celebrate Spooky Season With a Cemetery Tour!

Posted on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 by Dana

I love a cemetery.

The older, the better. I am definitely the girl who yells, “Skeleton holes!” and pulls the car over to investigate a good cemetery.

I have planned vacations around what graveyards I can visit. I have a bucket list of cemeteries I still need to see.

And I realize that a lot of people think that’s weird.
I don’t care. Continue reading “Celebrate Spooky Season With a Cemetery Tour!”

Kanopy Horror Classics

Posted on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 by Megan

What’s your favorite scary movie? Personally, mine is John Carpenter’s “The Fog.” If you are looking for something spooky, ghoulish, ghastly, horrible, AND FREE – then we’ve got you! 

Hosting your own scary movie night is fiendishly easy with your library card and Kanopy! Below is just a small sample of the movies you’ll find on Kanopy. Pop the popcorn and get your bucket of candy ready for a perfect movie night! Continue reading “Kanopy Horror Classics”

Teen Reader Reviews for the Drama

Posted on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 by Megan

Text reads teen Reader Reviews

Are you here for the tea? Do you pop popcorn to eat as you watch things unfold? Do you often hear the phrase “Stop being so dramatic?”

animated lion with paw over face text reads oh the drama

If you answered yes to any of these questions then we can be friends because we are also here for the DRAMA! Our local teens have some book recommendations just for you. Check out the list below. And don’t forget you can submit your own reader reviews here. Continue reading “Teen Reader Reviews for the Drama”

DIY Rainbow Headband

Posted on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 by Megan

A toy baby Yoda with colorful hair and pom-poms. Text reads DIY Rainbow Headband

Are you headed to Mid-Missouri Pride Fest on September 28th & 29th, 2024, and need to spruce up your ‘fit with a fun accessory? Then keep reading! You can create a beautiful rainbow work of art by using things you probably already have at home. With a bit of glitter and glue, you’ll be on your way to looking fabulous in no time! Continue reading “DIY Rainbow Headband”

DIY Swiftie Scrunchies and Headbands

Posted on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 by Anna

In 2008, in the basement AV room of the public library, my dad handed me a couple CDs he thought I might like: Paramore’s Riot and Taylor Swift’s Fearless. It’s been 16 years, and I love my public library (and Taylor Swift) more than ever. If you, like me, have never been able to go to one of her shows and you, like me, wish her merch was a bit more accessible ($75 for a t-shirt, Taylor?), we hope you’ll enjoy making these Taylor-themed scrunchies and headbands! Continue reading “DIY Swiftie Scrunchies and Headbands”

ACT Test Prep Resources @ DBRL

Posted on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 by DBRLTeen

An illustration of a person sitting at a desk with a pen and paper. Text reads ACT Resources

 

Do you need help preparing for the ACT test?  We have compiled a list of resources to help you navigate this important college entrance exam.

What is the ACT?

The ACT exam is a standardized test required for admission at many colleges and universities. The exam covers four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading and science.

How much does it cost?

It costs $69 to take the ACT exam; this cost increases to $94 if you are required to take the writing test. A fee waiver is available for low-income students; however, ACT requires that you meet with your guidance counselor to see if you qualify.

Where can I take the ACT exam?

The ACT test is offered at several locations throughout Boone and Callaway counties, including most public high schools. Search online to find a testing location near you. Continue reading “ACT Test Prep Resources @ DBRL”

Teen Reader Reviews: Classics

Posted on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 by Megan

Teen Reader Reviews

We had so many excellent book reviews lately that we just had to share! This time we are highlighting the classics and one classic retelling. Even though a few of these books have been around for a while our teens still loved or at least tolerated them. What classics have you picked up recently? Tell us about them in the comments or submit your own reader review. Remember if you include your email address and we use your review in a blog post we’ll send you a coupon for a free book!

Frankenstein book cover. Text reads “The central conflict is Man vs. Monster but those lines are easily blurred creating a sympathetic antagonist and a complex protagonist who despite the moral duty to care for what he’s created is unable to.”

Frankenstein” by Mary Shelly

5/5 Stars ★★★★★ Continue reading “Teen Reader Reviews: Classics”